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Design preferences are never uniform. They shift across regions, cultures and communities. In New Zealand, these differences are visible in how households approach furniture. Kim van Duiven of Asko has observed how Aucklanders, Cantabrians, and Wellingtonians gravitate toward different aesthetics, each reflecting broader social and cultural contexts.
Auckland’s appetite has often leaned toward bold leather tones, such as caramel with black accessories, drawing on international trends and cosmopolitan influences. This style speaks to the city’s global outlook and its openness to statement pieces that stand out within modern apartments or large open-plan homes.
Christchurch, by contrast, exhibits a preference for neutral and durable choices. Solid timber and more understated palettes tend to dominate, reflecting a regional culture that values practicality, resilience and subtlety. Kim notes that when caramel-toned furniture was introduced in Christchurch, it appealed more to international buyers than to local Cantabrians.
Wellington offers another variation. Known for its eclectic creative scene, the capital embraces mixing styles, often combining modern modular pieces with vintage or artistic accents. This pluralistic approach mirrors the city’s identity as a cultural hub, where individuality is as important as functionality.
These differences matter for both consumers and designers. They remind us that furniture does not exist in a vacuum but within localised contexts of taste, habit and identity. For retailers, acknowledging these variations enables more tailored offerings. For buyers, recognising regional preferences situates their choices within a wider national conversation about design, culture and place.
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Disclaimer: This article is based on a podcast featuring insights from experienced professionals and is intended for general information and inspiration only. While we aim to share valuable guidance, please seek personalised advice from qualified professionals before making decisions about your property, finances, or renovation plans.
Curious to see more practical advice from industry experts? Visit our Top Tips hub for quick, valuable insights shared by people who’ve been there, helping you plan smarter and avoid common mistakes.
Our Mini Guide: Living Room Design are packed with practical advice, planning tips, and expert insights to help you get it right. Whether you’re staying in your home, buying, or selling, join MyTrends to unlock a full library of guides designed to support you at every stage of your property journey.
Curious to see more practical advice from industry experts? Visit our Top Tips hub for quick, valuable insights shared by people who’ve been there, helping you plan smarter and avoid common mistakes.
Our Guides are packed with practical advice, planning tips, and expert insights to help you get it right. Whether you’re staying in your home, buying, or selling, join MyTrends to unlock a full library of guides designed to support you at every stage of your property journey.
Episode Overview
In this episode of the Trends Property Insight Series, we sit down with Jarrod Angove, General Manager of Landmark Homes North Shore and Rodney to unpack everything you need to know about designing and building a new home in New Zealand. With over 14 years at Landmark and decades of combined experience in construction and client relationships, Jarrod is on a mission to make the home-building process transparent, enjoyable, and tailored to each client’s lifestyle.
Design preferences are never uniform. They shift across regions, cultures and communities. In New Zealand, these differences are visible in how households approach furniture. Kim van Duiven of Asko has observed how Aucklanders, Cantabrians, and Wellingtonians gravitate toward different aesthetics, each reflecting broader social and cultural contexts.
Auckland’s appetite has often leaned toward bold leather tones, such as caramel with black accessories, drawing on international trends and cosmopolitan influences. This style speaks to the city’s global outlook and its openness to statement pieces that stand out within modern apartments or large open-plan homes.
Christchurch, by contrast, exhibits a preference for neutral and durable choices. Solid timber and more understated palettes tend to dominate, reflecting a regional culture that values practicality, resilience and subtlety. Kim notes that when caramel-toned furniture was introduced in Christchurch, it appealed more to international buyers than to local Cantabrians.
Wellington offers another variation. Known for its eclectic creative scene, the capital embraces mixing styles, often combining modern modular pieces with vintage or artistic accents. This pluralistic approach mirrors the city’s identity as a cultural hub, where individuality is as important as functionality.
These differences matter for both consumers and designers. They remind us that furniture does not exist in a vacuum but within localised contexts of taste, habit and identity. For retailers, acknowledging these variations enables more tailored offerings. For buyers, recognising regional preferences situates their choices within a wider national conversation about design, culture and place.
View more from
Disclaimer: This article is based on a podcast featuring insights from experienced professionals and is intended for general information and inspiration only. While we aim to share valuable guidance, please seek personalised advice from qualified professionals before making decisions about your property, finances, or renovation plans.
Curious to see more practical advice from industry experts? Visit our Top Tips hub for quick, valuable insights shared by people who’ve been there, helping you plan smarter and avoid common mistakes.
Our Mini Guide: Living Room Design are packed with practical advice, planning tips, and expert insights to help you get it right. Whether you’re staying in your home, buying, or selling, join MyTrends to unlock a full library of guides designed to support you at every stage of your property journey.
Curious to see more practical advice from industry experts? Visit our Top Tips hub for quick, valuable insights shared by people who’ve been there, helping you plan smarter and avoid common mistakes.
Our Guides are packed with practical advice, planning tips, and expert insights to help you get it right. Whether you’re staying in your home, buying, or selling, join MyTrends to unlock a full library of guides designed to support you at every stage of your property journey.
Episode Overview
In this episode of the Trends Property Insight Series, we sit down with Jarrod Angove, General Manager of Landmark Homes North Shore and Rodney to unpack everything you need to know about designing and building a new home in New Zealand. With over 14 years at Landmark and decades of combined experience in construction and client relationships, Jarrod is on a mission to make the home-building process transparent, enjoyable, and tailored to each client’s lifestyle.
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Furniture designed for life. Ethically made dining and living furniture and accessories by international and New Zealand designers where refined elegance meets sleek, contemporary form. Explore our extensive range of designer furniture via our Christchurch showroom or browse online.
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